The 16th annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival wrapped up Sunday after a sold-out run of nearly every event in the two-week long series of...more

The 16th annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival wrapped up Sunday after a sold-out run of nearly every event in the two-week long series of wine and food tastings.

Photograph by Handout, Vancouver Sun

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In its 16th year, the Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival has announced a dramatic expansion in its activities and events.

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Sun Peaks Resort is now selling value cards, giving skiers and snowboarders one free lift ticket and discounts on others throughout the seaon. Cards...more

Sun Peaks Resort is now selling value cards, giving skiers and snowboarders one free lift ticket and discounts on others throughout the seaon. Cards start at $89 for an adult card and lower costs for seniors, youth and children.

The Interior’s largest ski resort, Sun Peaks is about 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops. Three mountains surround the charming ski-through village, which is dotted with hotels, shops, and about 20 restaurants. There are about 4,000 acres of skiable terrain with long cruisers, deep steeps and excellent glade skiing on 125 runs. It all makes for a fun day no matter your skill level. Nordic skiers can explore more than 30 kilometers of groomed and track set trails, backcountry trails, as well as a rare chairlift-accessed trail.

The new Let’s Play Pack lift ticket includes a day of skiing plus tubing on a three-lane tube park, ice skating on the outdoor rink, access to the outdoor heated pool, and a turn on the bungee trampoline. Each non-ski activity can be redeemed once, up to 10 days from purchase of lift ticket, and for each lift ticket purchased. The price is $99 per adult and $59 per child, including regular ski lift ticket.

Also new is the Guided Backcountry Snowshoe Adventure, which is 12 kilometers of snowshoe trails starting from the central village and ending with a picnic at McGillivray Lake, in all its frozen glory. Lead by an experienced local guide, hikers learn about the environmental surroundings and history of the area. Great for spotting the Canadian lynx, the wolf, and snowshoe hare.

How about some expert skiing tips? A resident of Sun Peaks for nearly 20 years, Olympic gold medallist and now Canadian Senator, Nancy Greene Raine, meets guests at the top of the Sunburst chairlift most Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.

Mountain Man Dogsled Adventures have been around for several years in Sun Peaks, but have recently opened a new bed-and-breakfast located in the Whitecroft valley, a few minutes from the resort. Since the huskies reside there, any dog lover would find this appealing.

Mountain air and lots of activity generally means a hearty appetite. Nice to see gluten-free options at Mountain High Pizza. For the best coffee in the village, the Bolacco Café in the Coast Sundance Lodge is a must-stop, and serving up delicious ciabatta sandwiches. Dairy-free? Try a latte made with coconut milk. Bottoms Bar and Grill is a bustling, fun après ski hangout, with superior chicken wings and spicy Caesars.

Something to look forward to? Plan ahead for next year and get tickets to the 17th Annual Winter Okanagan Wine Festival in Sun Peaks, Jan.17 to 25, 2015.